Fintech

At last week's conference in London, host Brett King took time away from speaking and judging startup pitches to talk to some of the main presenters, including Ruth Wandhöfer, Citi's global head of regulatory and market strategy.

"Virtually every venture capitalist I know is excited about insurance as the next big thing in fintech," says Sam Hodges, co-founder and U.S. managing director at Funding Circle.

Starling Bank in the U.K. is building from scratch. Unlike other neobanks, Starling sees its future as a hub of financial products, not necessarily the generator of every product. CEO Anne Boden explains.

Derek Corcoran of Avoka discusses how banks have embraced digital marketing but still struggle with digital sales. Author Randy Pennington talks about building corporate cultures that adapt and foster innovation.

Author Rachel Schneider on income volatility problems; Travis Dulaney talks instant payments; American Banker's Mary Wisniewski discusses the OCC's fintech charter, data aggregation battles, and alternative data.

It is easy for banks to get caught up in what appears innovative but ends up being for show.

Hong Kong and Singapore have long been economic crossroads. China and India are economies with vast populations. And Shenzhen is bursting with innovative creativity. All of these contribute to the Asian fintech market being far ahead in adoption and ecosystem creation.